If you’re looking for a career that combines your love of travel with your passion for healthcare, you might want to consider becoming a travel surgical tech. As a travel surgical tech, you’ll have the opportunity to work in different hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities across the country or even around the world. But what exactly does a travel surgical tech do, and how do you become one? Read on to find out.
What is a travel surgical tech?
Before we dive into the details of how to become a travel surgical tech, let’s first define what this job entails. A surgical technician, also known as a surgical tech, is a healthcare professional who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other members of the surgical team to ensure that surgeries are performed safely and efficiently. Surgical techs are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and assisting the surgeon during the surgery itself.
Now, a travel surgical tech is simply a surgical technician who works on a contract basis, traveling from one healthcare facility to another. This allows them to work in different settings, with different surgical teams, and gain a diverse range of experiences.
How do you become a travel surgical tech?
If you’re interested in becoming a travel surgical tech, the first step is to become a certified surgical technician. This requires completing a surgical tech program, which typically takes 9-24 months, depending on the program. These programs are offered at vocational schools, community colleges, and some universities.
After completing your program, you’ll need to pass the certification exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This exam tests your knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and other important aspects of the job.
Once you’re certified, you can start applying for travel surgical tech jobs. These jobs are typically offered through staffing agencies that specialize in healthcare staffing. You’ll need to provide your resume, proof of certification, and other required documents, as well as be willing to travel and work on a contract basis.
What are the benefits of being a travel surgical tech?
There are many benefits to being a travel surgical tech. First and foremost, you’ll have the opportunity to travel to different places and work in different healthcare settings. This can be a great way to see the country or even the world, while still pursuing your career goals.
Additionally, travel surgical techs often earn higher salaries than their non-traveling counterparts, due to the short-term nature of their contracts and the demand for their specialized skills.
Finally, being a travel surgical tech can be a great way to gain new experiences and learn new techniques. Working with different surgeons and surgical teams can help you hone your skills and develop a more diverse set of competencies.
FAQs
Question | Answer |
What is a surgical tech? | A surgical technician, also known as a surgical tech, is a healthcare professional who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other members of the surgical team to ensure that surgeries are performed safely and efficiently. |
How long does it take to become a surgical tech? | It typically takes 9-24 months to complete a surgical tech program, depending on the program. |
What is the NBSTSA certification exam? | The NBSTSA certification exam tests your knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and other important aspects of the job. |
How do I find travel surgical tech jobs? | Travel surgical tech jobs are typically offered through healthcare staffing agencies that specialize in contract work. |
What are the benefits of being a travel surgical tech? | The benefits of being a travel surgical tech include the opportunity to travel to different places, earn higher salaries, and gain new experiences and skills. |